7 Reasons For a Dog Urinating in the House

If you’re fed up with clearing up after your dog and don’t know why it’s happening, here are 7 reasons for a dog urinating in the house. Once you discover the root cause of your own dogs problem, you’ll be in a position to start sorting it out.

1. Attention Seeking

Some dogs will go to great lengths to get your attention when they want it. In fact attention seeking behaviour is quite common amongst dogs, it’s just that a lot of the time you don’t really notice it. If your dog brings you their toys without you asking, then they are doing it to get your attention.

Often we don’t mind, or don’t even notice it because it is so subtle, like gently leaning against you until you stroke them. However, they can also be a lot more direct about wanting your attention and use behaviour like jumping up at you. Even behaviour that gets them into trouble will be used time after time as long as it works. After all, even if you are cross and shouting at them, they still have your attention.

2. Dog Separation Anxiety

One of the biggest reasons for a dog urinating in the house is separation anxiety. Generally, they will only do it when they are left on their own or when you go out. Even 10 minutes alone is difficult for some anxious dogs to cope with.

Separation anxiety is often linked to a dog taking on the role of pack leader, but being unable to cope with the responsibility for keeping the rest of the pack safe. In this case, because they are anxious about where you are and whether you are going to come back they will instinctively start scent marking in the house. The idea behind it is to give you a scent trail to help you find your way back home, but the problem is that your dog doesn’t know that your sense of smell is not as good as theirs!

If you want to know more about dog separation anxiety read this article or access an exclusive video created by a professional dog trainer by entering your name and email in box at the top right of the page.

3. Your Dog’s Age

Could the reason be connected to your dog’s age, because both young pup and old dogs are affected in different ways? If you’ve got a puppy, they might not have quite mastered house training yet, while at the other end of the age scale, an old dog might be suffering from a bit of incontinence.

4. A Timing Issue

The length of time a dog can go before needing to urinate will vary enormously according to age, size and breed, so the reason for the problem could be a simple timing issue. Perhaps you miss the signs of your dog needing to be let out, or maybe they are not very good at letting you know.

5. Poor Health

Could the problem be connected to your dog’s health? If you have any concerns about their health consult with your vet. The reason could be something as simple as a urinary tract infection, which your vet could prescribe a course of antibiotics for.

6. Challenging Behaviour

Dogs need to know who is the Pack Leader and will use all sorts of behaviour to try and work out who should be top dog. When a dog marks an area their status can be detected through the pheromones in the urine so they do it partly to make a statement. It is also a way of claiming a territory as their own and sends out messages to other dogs that they are prepared to defend it.

If they are urinating in front of you in the house, or where you can see them do it, it could be a direct challenge to your status, which should be as leader of the pack.

7. Submissive Behaviour

Ironically, urinating can also be a way of a dog showing submission. This may happen because as I mentioned earlier, the status of a dog is detected through pheromones in the urine. Very nervous dogs will often urinate when approached by other dogs, and can even do it when you call them because they think they’re in trouble or are so scared that they need to show they are not a threat to you.

How to Stop a Dog Urinating in the House

Many of the reasons for the urination problems have straightforward answers. Visit you vet if you think it is health related, change how often you let your dog out if it’s a timing issue, and deal with behaviour issues with a positive training programme.

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Margaret McKean 3 months ago

I have a 9month old king Charles cavalier called Gizmo. He has a disability, he has a hole in his scull, fluid in the brain. He is really bad for urinating in the house, could you help me to find a reason as to why he is doing this. We use a water spray constantly to try stopping Gizmo from doing this. This doesn’t work. Could you possibly advise us on what to do please? Much Appreciated.

Hi Margaret. As I’m not a vet I cannot advice you as to whether Gizmo’s disability affects his behaviour in this way, so its worth checking that out with your vet first. Does he show any other signs of anxiety or dominant behaviour? That’s what you need to establish really. Our approach to leadership can make a very positive difference to dogs behaviour so it could be worth getting our ebook to try them out. If it makes not difference just get back to me and request your money back. We only want happy customers and even more importantly, happy dogs. Wishing all the best in supporting Gizmo. P.S. If spraying water doesn’t work – stop it. That’s obviously not the answer to this problem.

Kim 7 months ago

I have two male Pomeranians one is 5 and the other is 8 months. The elder one was trained to go to the paper or just wait until we walked him. The puppy we are training him todo the same but for a while now the elder one goes to the paper or just do it infront of us. The puppy goes wherever he wants around the house on the coach and he does it infront even though we walk him about 5-6 times a day. He knows its wrong but does it anyway.

It sounds like there may be a little jostling for leadership going on between your two dogs. Its a bit like dogs who all pee up against the same lamp post in the neighborhood – they’re all trying to say this territory belongs to me. If you take on the leadership role yourself – using the 4 areas we talk about in the videos, it may sort the whole problem out. In the meantime be patient with your dogs, there is no point getting cross with them as they won’t understand why as they are only doing what would be perfectly acceptable out in nature! I understandd how frustrating this situation must be especially as you seem to have trained them well. However, it should be possible to sort out this situation so I wish you every success with it and let us know what happens.

Randall Curtis 10 months ago

Just put the damn thing outside. Nothing more disgusting than a dog urinating all over the house. Some people just don’t mind the smell. Or keep in on a leash all day and take him out every hour or so. That way he would get used to the routine and hopefully realize that peeing isn’t for indoors.

I agree it is a frustrating problem but putting them on a leash won’t stop them from peeing! It takes some patience to solve this problem, but dogs aren’t doing it out of spite, its usually an indication that something doesn’t feel right for them. We don’t need to be hard on our dogs, just consistent with the messages we are giving them.

Laura 10 months ago

I have four dogs, three of them useto never pee or poop in the house. Ever since we brought home our fourth dog they have been peeing and pooping inside the house. I don’t understand why. They have a doggie door that goes to the back yard. They don’t have a certian time that they will do it, it’s all the time. Please help.

It sounds like the new dog has upset the pack and now they’re all trying to via with each other for who goes where in the pack order. Take on the pack leader role yourself and it should settle down. Watch the videos for more information on how to do it – or get the ebook – its not difficult to do but does require you to change some of the ways you interact with your dogs. Wishing you every success.

anderw 1 year ago

My dogs pee at night in my room that I use for an office. I am not sure winch one it is and why. Also I notice when it rains or is cold whether they do not want to go outside, they will Go right by the doggy door.

Hard to tell if that is anxiety or if they have just got into some bad – or rather lazy habits. Do they show other signs of anxiety? If they are both peeing in your office they could be trying to establish who out of them is top dog – if that is the case then you need to show them that you are pack leader (we cover how to do that in our ebook) and the problem should go away.

trina 1 year ago

Hi I have to dogs ones 3 and a Yorkshire terrier and the other dog is a 1 year old Jack Russell.they were both house trained properly.but since I have got the Jack Russell the Yorkshire terrier is weeing everywhere.on curtains on doors in my bedroom everywhere he can .he nos it’s naughty he goes in to his cages straight away but the Jack Russell is doing it to .I don’t no what to do its stressing us all .

Hi. When there is major change (and introducing a new dog is major in a dog’s eyes), it can cause an upset like this. Your dogs are trying to work out who is in charge or ‘Top Dog’. Its likely they are ‘marking’ territory with their urine, so they don’t see it as naughty at all – just natural. So when one of them scent marks, the other is likely to do it as well. You need to step in and show them that you are the Pack Leader and then this behaviour will stop. There’s an easy process for doing that. Click the link to check out our ebook which gives you a step by step guide. Get going now and it won’t take long. I know the mess is not fun to have to clear up all the time. Best of Luck!

Leslie 2 years ago

I have two mini doxies, both female. They are ages 1 and 3, fully house trained. My boyfriend has a 5 year old male mini. My boyfriend and his dog spent most of their time at my house. All 3 dogs get along very well. The problem is with Oscar, the male. He pees in the house regularly, even after being outside. He marks corners if dressers, bottoms if curtains, bedposts…anything he can lift his leg on! I believe he’s challenging us! He doesn’t do this in his own home when we are all there, only at my house.

Tony 2 years ago

Hi Leslie, this is a classic symptom of a dog thinking that it is responsible for protecting the family. The accompanying guide that comes with the Anxiety eBook will give you what you need to change his mind.

Best regards, Tony

Lisa 2 years ago

Hi, My dog urinates overnight even when he has the ability to let himself out at free will. He also wets his dog bed located in my jeep. I think he does this as a result of stress. I have visited the vet thinking it might be an incontinence problem and he put him on medication. He still does it so I believe it is behavioral. He is a Rhodesian Ridgeback and he is going to be 10 years old soon. I know he is very jealous of my boyfriend and he is very protective of me. He loves my boyfriend but is carrying on this new behavior. Any suggestions.

Tony 2 years ago

Hi Lisa, the accompanying guide that comes with the Anxiety eBook will give you what you need to show him that he can relax. It also shows you how to avoid jealousy issues.

Best regards, Tony

regina 3 years ago

i have a chiweenie she is 4 yrs old in excellent health my prolem is she pees in my family room she was poty trained on a pad at 1 month and when i am home she will go outside to potty but when she is alone she goes in the family room she has pads to use durring the day but she will by pass them and go in the family room . she gos on the pad too so i don’t know how to stop her form doing this and just use the pads. thank you

Venice 3 years ago

Hi Regina. Its can be a classic sign of separation anxiety, where she is scent marking to help you find your way back to the ‘den’. Use the 3 free videos for tips and techniques on dealing with anxiety issues. Click on the link to start right now! http://dog-anxiety.com/dog-anxiety-optin/

Mary 3 years ago

I have two australian shepherds one is a mini (1.3 yrs) other (2.4 yrs) teacup. The younger is very active and excitable, the older is passive most of the time. I travel quite a bit and have friends either stay at my home or family take care of them away from home. The issue is with the younger she pees whenever any male people and one female people approaches her in any way. I have talked to family about reassuring her, petting etc but they can not approach her with out her peeing all of the time, which is frustrating for them and I am sure she knows they are upset with her. Of course with me known of this behaviour happens. What can I do to work with her on these issues or help others deal with her while I am gone and no I can’t stop travel since it is my work.

Tony 3 years ago

Hi Mary, this is simple to solve once we respect a dog’s personal space. Over 95% of dog bites happen because people invade a dog’s space. In your dog’s case she pees – lucky for the invaders! If people want to fuss a dog, they should call the dog to them. If it comes by choice it completely changes the interaction. If she doesn’t go to them then she is clearly telling them she feels uncomfortable and is not ready yet.

Best regards, Tony

Pete 3 years ago

I have a 7 month old black lab. We got her when she was 9 weeks. We did the crate training and she did VERY well. i got bells for her on out back door and taught her in a week that they are for going potty not a toy. all of a sudden( monday 6/18/12) she started going to the bath room in the house. My mother in-law watches my children so she home with her all day and takes her out as well. but for some reason shes doing it. Im sooo lost, ive taken her to the vet and no UTI. Is she having separation anxiety or trying to prove she the pack leader to my mother in law? Shes only peed in the house twice when my wife and i are home( one time this morning and this evening). When she does it she goes and hides afterwards… im looking for help. im lost right now…. Pete

Tony 3 years ago

Hi Pete, I have a quick question – what happens when your mother-in-law find the pee? It might be that your dog has found a way to get attention and showing your MIL who is the boss when you are not around. Of course, if that reaction is stressful and angry, keeping out of the way until things calm down is a good idea, hence the hiding.

Best regards, Tony

ANN MARIE 3 years ago

My dog is 7 years old and has separation anxiety for awhile now….he just started with in the past few weeks to pee in my living room when we are not at home. He is on prozac from the vet for about two weeks now and i don’t think it is working….please help me ….i am feeling very frustrated and trying anything i can and have been reading up on what to do…..how long should it take to help with the medication?

Tony 3 years ago

Dear Ann Marie,

Unfortunately medication does not address the reason why your dog has separation anxiety, but the eBook can be the solution you are looking for, as I am sure you would rather not drug him. The good news is that you can definitely change his behaviour by taking away his perceived responsibility over you by giving him reassuring information at certain times, such as waiting until he leaves you alone when you come back home. Then you can call him to you and fuss him. The eBook is comprehensive when dealing with this common problem, and you will be pleased to know that it costs a lot less than expensive drugs (and actually works!).

Best regards, Tony

James Sanford 3 years ago

I would like info on solving anxiety that causes my dog to pee in the house.

Kerri 3 years ago

Hello,

My dog is a year and a half old and is completely housebroken (when not left alone).. however, she will occasionally pee in the house during the middle of the night and almost ALWAYS will pee in the house during the day while we are at work. We could be gone for 10 minutes and she will pee (usually in the same few spots- closest to the door. I dont know what to do, because we tried EVERYTHING. We even took her to the vet to see if she had a bladder infection or other health issue, but she’s perfectly healthy. When we are home, she will whine and let us know she has to go outside to go to the bathroom.. this is why it’s soo frustrating to come home to pee in the house almost every single time we leave her alone. I am pretty sure she has separation anxiety. We have another dog who is completely housebroken and does not have these same behaviors when we leave. I would think she would be occupied by playing with him during the day, but it’s not enough. We even leave the tv on for her sometimes to have some sound in the house and make her feel like someone is home but that only worked for about 2 days. Also, she will chew ANYTHING that is in sight when we are gone (and would NEVER do that when we are home). Paper, rugs, pillows, anything.. Please help!

admin 3 years ago

Hi Kerri. What you’re talking about is classic signs of dog separation anxiety. Your dog has decided that she is the leader of your pack, so the peeing by the door is her way of leaving a scent trail so you can find your way back home. That’s what they do naturally and she doesn’t know that you don’t have the same sense of smell as her. She’s also worrying about you and chewing helps a dog secrete a natural hormone that is calming on their system, so that is why she chews anything in sight. Another dog won’t distract her if she feels responsible for you and is worrying if you are safe and whether you will ever come back. You need to show her that you are the pack leader and then she will relax and stop that unwanted behaviour. Watch the free video series we have put together – just click on the following link: dog separation anxiety training to access it. That should help you understand it more.

Tony 3 years ago

Hi Kerri, this is definitely a case of separation anxiety. Peeing in the home (usually by a door as this represents where the pack comes and goes) is a dog’s attempt to scent mark the territory. In their mind, if the owners can smell where they are, they will come back more quickly. Chewing releases natural endorphins that help calm the nerves (people chew gum, their fingernails etc. for the same reason). The eBook will show you how to remove this stress and you will see a big difference. Best regards, Tony Knight

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